The mercer prize scheme is for scientists whose research has been commercially exploited for significant wealth generation or societal benefit in the UK. The award is open to any post-doctoral researcher in academic organisations, research institutes or any other research and technology organization. Nominations for are invited from all Fellows of the Society, Society research award holders, research institutions and industry. Self-nominations are allowed.

Agencies involved: The Royal Society

Key Dates: Program is currently closed to applications. Check website for updated information.

The title of Research Chair is given to an instructor of engineering in order to support the establishment of a research group and the performing of a research project taking place at a UK institution. Program runs for up to 5 years.

The Distinguished Visiting Fellowship Scheme provides support to faculty members and senior researchers seeking to advance the research and development industry by carrying out research projects at UK institutions.

The EPSRC wants to develop the next generation of scientists at the post-doctoral, early career and established career levels across the world. To that end, the EPSRC has designed a fellowship for scientists of any experience level. Candidates must hold a PhD or have equivalent research experience. Fellowships can be held at any UK university or similar Higher Education Institution (HEI) that is eligible for Research Council funding, however they cannot be held at Research Council Institutes.

Agencies involved: The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)

The International Exchanges Scheme is awarded to scientists in the UK looking to travel in order to conduct cooperative research with an international partner. Candidates must hold a PhD or equivalent. Program can run for the length of the applicant’s choosing: 3 months, 1 year, or 2 years.

Agencies involved: The Royal Society, The Daiwa Anglo Japanese Foundation

Key dates: The next rounds are currently open for applications and will close on July 1, 2014.

The Brian Mercer Award for Innovation is intended for scientists who wish to develop an already proven concept or prototype into a near-market product ready for commercial exploitation. The award allows advanced scientists to explore the option of marketing their innovation before securing capital investment. Candidates must hold a PhD or equivalent, and must hold a permanent position at a university or NGO in the UK. The scheme covers natural sciences, excluding medical devices.

Agencies involved: The Royal Society

Key Dates: This application scheme is currently closed. Check website for updated information.

The Paul Instrument Fund is given to scientists for the development of a novel instrument to measure phenomena within the physical sciences. Candidates must hold a PhD or equivalent. Program runs for up to 3 years.

Agencies involved: The Royal Society

Key Dates: This program is currently closed for applications. Check website for updated information.

The Royal Society Industry Fellowship is awarded to academic of any experience level looking to complete collaborative projects with UK scientists from within a specific industry. Candidates must hold PhD or equivalent, and hold a permanent position at a university or NGO in the UK.

Agencies involved: The Royal Society, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, the Natural Environment Research Council, Rolls-Royce, and British Petroleum (BP)

Key Dates: This program is currently closed. Check website for updated information.

The Brian Mercer Feasibility Award scheme is for scientists who wish to investigate the feasibility of commercializing an aspect of their research. The award allows advanced scientists to explore the option of marketing their innovation before securing capital investment. Candidates must hold a PhD or equivalent, and must hold a permanent position at a university or NGO in the UK. The scheme covers electrotechnology and biomedical sciences.

The Royal Society Research Professorship is awarded to scientists looking for long-term support in research projects. Professorship funds are made available for a period of up to 10 years, but can only be used at a limited number of institutions.

Agencies involved: The Royal Society

Key Dates: Program is currently closed to applications. Check website for updated information.

The Royal Society Leverhulme Trust Senior Research Fellowship is open to senior scientists looking to explore research interests at universities and institutions in the UK. The fellowship distinguishes itself by not requiring fellows to complete teaching and administrative duties. Candidates must hold PhD or equivalent.

Agencies involved: The Leverhulme Trust, The Royal Society

Key Dates: Program is currently closed to applications. Check website for updated information.

The Sir Henry Dale Fellowship is awarded to post-doctoral scientists looking to develop international experience at research centers in the UK. Focus of study tends toward clinical and public health. Candidate must have received PhD within 7 years of application, and must have some experience working in the UK.

Marshall Sherfield Fellowship is awarded to scientific researchers looking to advance professionally while contributing to the industry of science and engineering in the UK. Candidates must hold a PhD.

Fulbright Scholarships are awarded to faculty and professionals looking providing lectures and research while completing research projects at a UK university. Scholarship funds are available for a period of 3-10 months. Candidates must hold or expect a PhD.